This 8-day tour is a cultural journey through Morocco’s historic northern circuit. Starting in the ancient city of Fes, you’ll travel to the iconic blue streets of Chefchaouen, explore the imperial and modern capitals of Rabat and Casablanca, and culminate in the vibrant energy of Marrakech. With a dedicated leisure day for personal exploration, this tour offers a deep dive into Morocco’s urban heritage, coastal charm, and imperial grandeur at a comfortable pace, perfect for travelers focusing on culture and history.
We begin our journey promptly from Fes, ascending into the vast expanse of the Middle Atlas Mountains. Our route includes a stop in Ifrane, admired for its distinctive alpine buildings, and the expansive cedar forests where you may catch sight of wild Barbary monkeys. We continue through the scenic landscapes surrounding Midelt before making a dramatic descent into the Ziz Valley, defined by its lush, endless palm oases. We arrive in Merzouga as the sun sets, marking the start of your camel ride into the majestic Erg Chebbi dunes. The night is spent at a Luxury Desert Camp, complete with traditional music and incredible stargazing.
Explore the desert region this morning. Visit the village of Khamlia for authentic Gnawa music and see nomadic settlements. In the afternoon, switch to a more traditional mode of transport: camels. Ride into the heart of the golden dunes to watch a spectacular sunset. Arrive at your private desert camp for a night of Berber hospitality, a delicious dinner, and stargazing.
Accommodation: Private tent at a desert camp.
The morning starts with a visit to Rissani’s traditional market, the region’s historic center of commerce. We then pause in Erfoud to observe workshops dedicated to the area’s rich fossil discoveries. The drive continues to the extraordinary Todgha Gorge. You will walk between sheer cliffs reaching 300 meters high. Your overnight stay is at a comfortable Hotel/Kasbah situated in the Dades Valley.
We explore the Dades Valley’s unique “Monkey Fingers” rock formations and drive through the fragrant Valley of Roses. Our route takes us to the cinematic city of Ouarzazate and then to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Aït Benhaddou, Morocco’s most iconic fortified village (ksar). The final major segment of the trip is crossing the High Atlas Mountains via the spectacular Tizi n’Tichka Pass (2,260m). We arrive in Marrakech by the evening, settling into a charming Marrakech Riad.
With a local guide, uncover the key sights of the medina: the beautiful Bahia Palace, the ancient Saadian Tombs, and the bustling souks. In the afternoon, visit the exotic Majorelle Garden and the Yves Saint Laurent Museum. The iconic Koutoubia Mosque minaret watches over your explorations.
Accommodation: Riad in Marrakech.
This day is yours for independent exploration. You can choose to spend the morning shopping, visiting the Majorelle Garden, or indulging in a traditional hammam. Alternatively, you may opt for a full-day trip, such as a visit to the breezy coastal city of Essaouira or a refreshing hike in the Ourika Valley in the Atlas foothills.
We depart Marrakech in the morning, making the journey to the final imperial city, Casablanca. On arrival, after checking in, we begin exploring the city’s highlights. We visit the impressive Hassan II Mosque, one of the world’s largest, and stroll along the modern oceanfront promenade, La Corniche.
Depending on your flight schedule, you may visit the bustling Central Market or take a final walk through the small Old Medina. The tour concludes with a scheduled private transfer to Casablanca Mohammed V International Airport (CMN).
